Because Schwartz has played only two NHL seasons (which includes the lockout-shortened year) and doesn't have arbitration rights, obviously there's only so much he can ask for.

While neither side in the negotiation wanted to comment on what's transpiring, I'm guessing given that Ondrej Palat got three years with an average cap hit of $3.33 million with the Tampa Bay Lightning, that's a comparable on some level, especially since Palat only had one NHL season under his belt.

Because it's believed both the Blues and agent Wade Arnott of Newport Sports are focusing on a two-year, bridge deal for Schwartz, I'd shave off a bit of money on the shorter-term deal. Could $2.5 million or $2.75 million a year make it work? My guess is Newport would want as close to $3 million as possible and the Blues are likely in the low-$2 million range. Both sides need to bridge the gap here but I don't sense there's as much of an issue here compared to the Johansen-Blue Jackets situation.

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the club has signed their first overall draft pick in 2010, Jaden Schwartz, to an entry level contract. Schwartz will join the Blues in Chicago when they visit the Blackhawks tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m CT.

“Jaden had an excellent college career and we are excited that he is ready to make the jump to the NHL,” said Armstrong. “He will add depth to the skill level on our team and give us some options as we begin this stretch drive.”

“It’s been a dream of mine to play in the NHL and I’m excited to be able to do it as a St. Louis Blue,” said Schwartz. “The Blues are having a terrific season and I will do whatever they need me to do to contribute.”

Schwartz, 19, is currently in his sophomore season at Colorado College leading the Tigers with 41 points including 15 goals and 26 assists in 30 games. During his freshman year, the 5’10, 193-pound forward posted 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 30 games leading the nation in freshman scoring average with 1.56 points per game.

The Wilcox, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by the Blues in the first round, 14th overall, of the 2010 Entry Draft.

“You realize what’s important in life. As I said earlier, I have in the back of my head that there are people who are going through worse things in life. I’m not going to hang my head and feel sorry for myself. I’m still going to be here for the guys.

“Family and life are most important. I have a good perspective on my life.”

-Jaden Schwartz, member of Team Canada’s World Junior team after suffering a brroken ankle. More from Tim Wharnsby of CBC.

Canada’s Jaden Schwartz wants to make sure his big sister Mandi gets a nice world junior souvenir as she starts another tough battle against a rare form of leukemia.

The 18-year-old Colorado College forward wants to bring a gold medal home to Saskatchewan.

“It’s tough, but it makes me want to win it for her even more,” Schwartz said Saturday after Canada’s final pre-tournament practice at HSBC Arena. “This is Christmas and it’s a time you want to be with your family, but I’m trying to keep my focus on the task at hand.

“We’re not here on some vacation. We’re here to play for Canada and win a gold medal.”